This page is dedicated to the multitude of discussions we will have in the course. It is your responsibility to conduct the discussions thoroughly and thoughtfully. We will train and practice in this method prior to you being left to your own devices, so please don't worry about knowing this method on your own. This page of the wiki will offer resources, as well as a rubric for our discussions.
This article discusses the importance of communication skills. We will use this as an introduction to the Harkness Discussion method, as we train and practice the skill of participating in an effective discussion.
*Ghost Reading
Ghost Reading is a way for a class to read aloud. One person will begin reading. Each person will read as much or as little as he likes. When the first person is finished reading, another "ghost reader" will pick up where the initial reader left off. During this type of reading, no one person calls on another person to read. There is also no rule that states that every person must read or that a person can only read one time.
Did anyone not read, did anyone read more than once, were there any patterns, long pauses. Did the pauses create anxiety? Did this method create more or less anxiety than other methods (teacher calling on people, etc.)? How alert did the students have to be? What role did body language play? What happened when two people tried to speak at the same time?
*Focus Questions What does this article reveal about the nature of communication? What do you consider to be important concerns about the ways in which we communicate?
*Discussion Method Homework "How to Mark a Book"
Tonight's homework is two-fold. Read this website, which discusses how to mark a book. Then, navigate back to my Teacher Page, click on the Humanities link, click on the Introduction to Humanities link, and read one of the articles that discusses Humanities. Please use what you read in the how to mark a book portion of your homework as you read the article on Humanities. I strongly advise printing the article to mark or take notes. You will be expected to participate in a discussion tomorrow.
Informative Guide to Class Discussions
Please use this as an informative introduction or review to the discussion method we will be using in class.
Self-Evaluation for Class Discussions
This is a self-evaluation that we will use prior to formally assessing the class's discussions. Please review the criteria.
Training Materials for Class Discussions
This article discusses the importance of communication skills. We will use this as an introduction to the Harkness Discussion method, as we train and practice the skill of participating in an effective discussion.
*Ghost Reading
Ghost Reading is a way for a class to read aloud. One person will begin reading. Each person will read as much or as little as he likes. When the first person is finished reading, another "ghost reader" will pick up where the initial reader left off. During this type of reading, no one person calls on another person to read. There is also no rule that states that every person must read or that a person can only read one time.
Did anyone not read, did anyone read more than once, were there any patterns, long pauses. Did the pauses create anxiety? Did this method create more or less anxiety than other methods (teacher calling on people, etc.)? How alert did the students have to be? What role did body language play? What happened when two people tried to speak at the same time?
*Focus Questions
What does this article reveal about the nature of communication? What do you consider to be important concerns about the ways in which we communicate?
*Discussion Method Homework
"How to Mark a Book"
Tonight's homework is two-fold. Read this website, which discusses how to mark a book. Then, navigate back to my Teacher Page, click on the Humanities link, click on the Introduction to Humanities link, and read one of the articles that discusses Humanities. Please use what you read in the how to mark a book portion of your homework as you read the article on Humanities. I strongly advise printing the article to mark or take notes. You will be expected to participate in a discussion tomorrow.